Meet Our Doctors

Experienced Specialists In Chicago & Glenview, IL

At Yummy Dental & Orthodontics, our certified and experienced doctors are here to answer any questions or concerns you may have about you and your child’s oral health. We understand the difficulties in finding a doctor that will best satisfy your family’s needs, especially on a life changing decision that involves moving any teeth. You can be assured that all of our doctors in our Chicago and Glenview, IL offices will work closely with you, so that you are informed at every step in the treatment process. We also strive to welcome your family in a comfortable and stress-free environment with friendly smiles and a cheerful staff!

Dr. Grace Yum, DDS

Pediatric Dentist

Dr. Grace Yum is a lifelong resident of the Chicago area, where she grew up in Glenview. She is a mother and a certified pediatric dentist, a certification achieved by only 5% of all dentists in the U.S.

She has quietly become nationally recognized in her field. Dr. Yum has appeared and was featured on:

TODAY Show on NBC nationally

NBC Chicago as a repeat guest

Parents Magazine

Parenting Magazine

Chicago Parent Magazine

She was described as one of the best and most fun pediatric dentists in Chicago.

Dr. Yum is on staff to perform surgeries at Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, where she also received her pediatric training. During her education, Dr. Yum earned her Bachelor of Arts from Northwestern University. She was then awarded her doctorate from the University of Maryland, home of the first dental school in the world.

Dr. Yum invented Dr. Yum's Dental Products for Kids, including its innovative first product, the patent-pending Dr. Yum's Baby Teeth Cleaners, which helps prevent cavities in baby teeth starting as early as six months of age. Parents quickly and easily swab a special all-natural xylitol solution on baby's teeth, morning and night, to prevent plaque from sticking to teeth.

She is also the founder of a growing group called Mommy Dentists in Business that helps other mothers in dentistry share best practices. She recently wrote a book, Mommy Dentists in Business: Juggling Family and Life While Running a Business, which is the #1 bestseller in dentistry on Amazon and available now!

Dr. Yum routinely receives referrals of even the most challenging cases from pediatricians and other dentists. She is proud to have earned a range of professional accolades and the respect of her professional peers. In her practice, she is committed to state-of-the-art equipment and procedures. She also takes pride in the Yummy Dental and Orthodontics experience and facility, which is in an inviting, state-of-the-art, custom-developed space, carefully designed with her pediatric patients and their parents in mind.

Her patients and their parents often tell her that they would never want to see another dentist. Many drive long distances to see her. Dr. Yum and her team offer a range of complimentary services. Dr. Yum offers complimentary Yummy Baby Exams for children under one. We also offer complimentary Yummy Smiles Ortho Evaluations. Feel free to ask us more about those options.

Dr. Yum stays up-to-date on the latest advancements in the field of pediatric dentistry by being active in numerous professional organizations such as:

American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry

Illinois Society of Pediatric Dentistry

American Dental Association

Chicago Dental Society.

Dr. Yum believes very strongly in the power of philanthropy. She donates her time regularly and routinely is invited to speak in leading Chicago schools, in front of mommy groups, and to groups of dental residents.

During her spare time, Dr. Yum enjoys spending time with her two kids and husband in Chicago.

Dr. Rupal Naik, DDS

Pediatric Dentist

Dr. Rupal Naik is gentle and compassionate doctor working at Yummy Dental & Orthodontics. Her goal is to provide top-end dental care and a comforting experience for children.

Dr. Naik is also highly trained by some of the nation’s top dental educators. She received dual graduate degrees at University of Illinois as a Doctor in Dental Surgery and a Master of Science in Oral Sciences. She completed two additional years of training in Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Southern California and Children's Hospital of Los Angeles. While in residency she won the national American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry OMNI research fellowship, awarded to only 3 people in the country!

She is a Board Certified Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and stays on the cutting-edge as a member of the following organizations:

College of Diplomates

American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry

American Dental Association

Illinois Society of Pediatric Dentists

Illinois State Dental Society

Chicago Dental Society

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and three daughters, cooking, and practicing hot yoga. And with three kids home, you can count on her to know what it’s like to be a parent.

Dr. Erin Petrik, DDS

Pediatric Dentist

Dr. Erin Petrik is very excited to be working with great patients and families at Yummy Dental & Orthodontics for Kids. She strives to make each appointment enjoyable for kids and their parents. She understands each child is unique and tailors each visit to connect with her patients.

Dr. Petrik is a life-long Midwesterner. She was born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota, earned her undergraduate degree at the University of Wisconsin - Madison, and earned her DDS in Chicago at the University of Illinois College of Dentistry. She completed her residency training at the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin.

Dr. Erin understands how important it is to continue learning and keep current with modern dentistry. She is a Board Certified Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and a member of the:

College of Diplomates

American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry

American Dental Association

Illinois Society of Pediatric Dentists

Illinois State Dental Society

Chicago Dental Society

Dr. Erin is very happy to be back in Chicago, her "second home". In her free time, she likes to stay active by running or biking by the Lakeshore.

Dr. David Avenetti, DDS, MSD, MPH

Pediatric Dentist

Dr. David Avenetti is very happy to be part of the Yummy Dental & Orthodontics team. While most people know him as Dr. Avenetti, kids normally refer to him as “Dr. David.” He was hand-selected by Dr. Yum to join her team and is deeply committed to providing the highest possible quality dentistry and excellent customer service so that children and families enjoy coming to the dentist and value good oral health.

Like Dr. Yum and other doctors at Yummy Dental & Orthodontics for Kids, Dr. Avenetti is part of the small pool of less than 5% of dentists in the United States who have successfully completed advanced specialized training in pediatric dentistry.

He is also a faculty member and the Pediatric Dentistry Residency Program Director at the University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Dentistry. In his role, he lectures and teaches courses, supervises residents and dental students in clinic, serves in numerous leadership roles, engages is service activities, and participates in federally-funded research projects. He is also on staff at the University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System where he works with residents to provide dental care for patients in the operating room setting.

Dr. Avenetti is a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist (Diplomat) through the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. He completed his pediatric dentistry residency at the University of Washington and Seattle Children’s Hospital. During his residency, he concurrently earned a Master of Science in Dentistry and was selected to participate in one year of advanced training to earn Master of Public Health Degree.

In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Crystal, and their new baby. They love to travel and explore Chicago.

Dr. Keyur Shah, DDS

Orthodontist

Dr. Keyur Shah is an unusually talented and gentle orthodontist. He was born and raised in Toronto, Canada. At the University of Toronto, he was valedictorian of his dental school class. After dental school, Dr. Shah completed his residency at Loyola University Medical Center. Next, he completed his orthodontic specialty at the University of Manitoba, where he was awarded a master’s degree in orthodontics.

Dr. Shah enjoys keeping up on the latest advancements in orthodontics offers complimentary orthodontic evaluations. He is involved with many professional associations including:

American Association of Orthodontists

American Dental Association

Illinois State Dental Society

Chicago Dental Society

Illinois Society of Orthodontists

Midwestern Society of Orthodontists.

Outside the office, Dr. Shah enjoys spending family time with his wife who is a native Chicagoan, and his twins. He is a huge fan of exercise and sports. He is a proud supporter of all Chicago teams, especially the Chicago Bears.

Dr. Mariah Zach, DMD

General Dentist

Dr. Mariah Zach is a general dentist, whose gentle touch caters well to the dental-wary, making you feel comfortable in our chairs. Dr. Zach has found a good home here at Yummy Dental, because she enjoys working with children and adults alike. Her primary goal for all of her patients is creating and maintaining healthy, happy, beautiful smiles.

Dr. Zach is a lifetime Temple University fan having completed both her undergraduate degree in Biology, and her Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree at Temple. After finishing her DMD program, she attended a general practice residency at St. Peter's hospital in Albany, NY. Her residency focused on comprehensive general dentistry in a hospital setting, often involving medically complex patients.

As a life-time learner, Dr. Mariah stays up to date on the latest dental technology through CE courses all across the country. She is an active member of the:

American Dental Association

Illinois State Dental Society

Chicago Dental Society.

Dr. Mariah is fairly new to Chicago, having moved from Philadelphia, where she practiced in a private dental office. As a new mom, most of her free time is spent with her family and exploring the city. She also enjoys good fiction novels, yoga, and traveling. With a love for food, she will gladly accept any restaurant recommendations.

Dr. Daisy Salazar, DDS

General Dentist

Dr. Daisy Salazar is a distinguished, detail oriented, restorative dentist, who strives to provide the best quality of care using state-of- the-art techniques and the latest technology in the field. She was born in Caracas, Venezuela and earned her dental degree (class rank top 5%) at The Central University of Venezuela. After graduation, she moved to Ann Arbor-Michigan, to continue her education and research interest at The University of Michigan, where she completed her 3-year Restorative Dentistry specialty along with a Master’s degree.

Dr. Salazar is currently a Clinical Assistant Professor and the Director of the Digital Dentistry Component at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry. She teaches dental students in the clinical setting using the latest cutting-edge digital technology, as well as providing continued education courses to educate other faculties in this new digital field. In addition, she is involved in several academic courses, leadership roles, community service, research projects and professional associations including:

American College of Prosthodontists

American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry

American Dental Education Association

Hispanic Dental Association

Dr. Salazar loves the city of Chicago and running along the lakefront, which pushed her to join and finish the Chicago Marathon. She is also a food lover and a fanatic traveler! Dr. Salazar looks forward to meeting you and your family!

Dr. Michael Higgins

Dental Anesthesiologist

Following dental school, Dr. Higgins completed a hospital General Practice Residency in New York, after which he was then accepted into the anesthesiology residency at Illinois Masonic Medical Center, Chicago, 1980-82. Since completion of his anesthesia training, Dr. Higgins has practiced dental anesthesiology, providing office based anesthesia care throughout the Northern Illinois area.

In addition to his private practice, Dr. Higgins is a long-standing faculty member with the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of Illinois Hospital Medical Center, and holds the academic rank of Associate Professor of Anesthesiology within that department and the University of Illinois College of Medicine. Dr. Higgins is a regional and national lecturer and is published in the area of Anesthesiology of Dentistry.

Dr. Higgins has remained very active at all levels of the dental society. On the local level, he served in:

Mediation & Peer Review for the Chicago Dental Society

President of the Northwest Suburban Dental Society

Chicago Midwinter Lecture and Exhibits Committees

Program Chairman of the Chicago Midwinter Meeting

Chairman of the Members Group of the Chicago Dental Society.

On the state level, Dr. Higgins is pleased to have served in:

Publications and Legislative committees and other numerous committees of the Illinois State Dental Society (ISDS)

Member of ISDS Board of Trustees

Program Chairman of the ISDS Leadership Conference

Program Chairman of the ISDS Annual Session

Delegate to the American Dental Association.

In addition, Dr. Higgins is proud to have represented the profession as President of the Illinois Dental Society of Anesthesiology, the Illinois State Dental Society, and the American Society of Dentist Anesthesiologists. Dr. Higgins is a Fellow of both the American and the International College of Dentists. He is board certified with the American Dental Board of Anesthesiology and the National Board of Anesthesiology. He is a fellow of the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology.

Dr. Higgins is a native of the Chicago area and resides in Palatine with his wife, Mary, and their three children- Ryan, Lindsay and Mitchell. He enjoys spending time with his family as well as boating, fishing, and gardening when he can find the time!

Dr. Mehdia Haque, DMD

Pediatric Dentist

Dr. Dia is a thoughtful and caring Pediatric Dentist, and is very happy to be a part of the Yummy Dental and Orthodontics for Kids family. She has lived and traveled all over the world, but she's excited to call Chicago her home. Dr. Dia is currently a faculty member in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at The University of Illinois in Chicago, where she enjoys teaching and supervising dental students and residents in clinic.

Dr. Dia attended Rutgers University in New Jersey and graduated Summa Cum Laude. She obtained her dental degree at Harvard School of Dental Medicine where she graduated with the Oral Medicine Award from the American Academy of Oral Medicine. Afterwards, she earned her certificate in Pediatric Dentistry at NYU Langone Hospitals.

Dr. Dia is a member of the following organizations:

American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry

American Dental Education Association

American Academy of Oral Medicine

Illinois Society of Pediatric Dentists

Her interests in advocacy and public health have led her to work with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health on the Oral Health Care Practice Guidelines during pregnancy and early childhood. She was also granted the Weissman Grant from the Harvard Global Health Institute for her work with GAVI Alliance in Geneva, Switzerland. She has also had the opportunity to work with the Pascua Yaqui tribe in Arizona with Indian Health Services.

New to Chicago, Dr. Dia has enjoyed exploring the city as well as creating arts and crafts projects, hiking, and attending barre and yoga classes.

Dr. Dia looks forward to meeting you and your family!

Dr. Chirag Parikh, DMD

Orthodontist

Dr. Chirag Parikh is excited to be working with the great clinicians at Yummy Dental and Orthodontics team. He strives to provide high-end orthodontic care while keeping the experience enjoyable and comfortable for his patients. He looks forward to working with his patients to achieve their own unique beautiful smile.

Originally from Chicago, Dr. Parikh completed his training outside of Illinois. He earned his undergraduate degree from Washington University in St. Louis with a double major in Anthropology and Biology. He served in AmeriCorps for two years before attending dental school at the University of Pennsylvania where he received his Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) and graduated as part of the Matthew Cryer Honors Society. He returned to St. Louis to complete his specialty training in orthodontics at Saint Louis University where he received his Masters of Science in Dentistry.

Dr. Parikh enjoys keeping up with the latest technologies and advancements in the field. He is a member of the following organizations:

American Association of Orthodontists

Midwestern Society of Orthodontists

Illinois Society of Orthodontists

Excited to be back in his hometown, Dr. Parikh enjoys exploring the city and discovering new places to eat. He spends his free time hanging out with his friends and family in the area. He grew up an avid Chicago sports fan, especially the Cubs and Bears, Dr. Parikh looks forward to meeting you and your family!

Schedule An Appointment Today!

If you are interested in learning more about our doctors or would like to know about the services that we offer such as our early treatment or Invisalign, please feel free to contact us! Our welcoming team at Yummy Dental & Orthodontics are here to provide you with all the information and resources, so that your family can make informed decisions about our oral health. We look forward to meeting you soon!